Colorado requires a front license plate on all passenger vehicles
Colorado law mandates that every passenger vehicle display a front license plate in addition to the rear plate. This applies to sedans, SUVs, trucks, and most other standard vehicles registered in the state. The front plate must be mounted securely and be clearly visible — it cannot be obscured by bumpers, grilles, or other objects.
The requirement exists across nearly all U.S. states, though a handful of states allow rear-only registration. Colorado is not one of them. When you register a vehicle or renew your registration, you receive two plates: one for the front and one for the rear. Both must be displayed at all times while the vehicle is in use on public roads.
Failing to display a front plate can result in a traffic citation. Law enforcement can stop you for the violation alone, and you may face a fine. The citation also creates a record that could affect your insurance rates or complicate future interactions with police.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires both a front and rear license plate on all passenger vehicles, with no exceptions for aesthetic or personal reasons.
- When you register or renew your vehicle in Colorado, the state issues two plates automatically — you do not need to request them separately.
- The front plate must be mounted securely and remain visible; it cannot be hidden behind bumpers, grilles, or aftermarket covers.
- Driving without a front plate is a traffic violation that can result in a fine and a citation on your driving record.
What happens when you register a vehicle in Colorado
When you register a new or used vehicle with the Colorado Department of Revenue, the registration process includes issuing two license plates. You pay a single registration fee that covers both plates. The plates arrive together, usually within one to two weeks of completing your registration online, by mail, or at a county clerk's office.
If you are transferring a vehicle from another state, you must obtain new Colorado plates. You cannot legally use out-of-state plates, even temporarily, while waiting for Colorado registration to process. The state does not issue temporary permits that waive the front plate requirement.
When you renew your registration every year or every two years (depending on your vehicle type), you keep the same plates. You do not receive new ones unless the old plates are damaged, lost, or you request a replacement. This means once you have installed your front plate, it typically stays in place for years.
How to mount and maintain your front plate
The front plate must be mounted on the front of your vehicle in a location where it is fully visible to law enforcement and traffic cameras. Most vehicles have a designated mounting area below the bumper or on the bumper itself. You can purchase mounting brackets at auto parts stores, and installation usually takes minutes with basic tools.
The plate must remain legible — the numbers and letters cannot be obscured by dirt, damage, or intentional covers. Reflective covers, tinted covers, or any device designed to hide or distort the plate number are illegal in Colorado. Even if you believe a cover protects the plate from weather or glare, using one violates state law and can result in a citation.
If your front plate becomes damaged, faded, or illegible, you can request a replacement from your county clerk's office or through the Colorado Department of Revenue online portal. Replacement plates typically cost a small fee and arrive within two weeks.
Exceptions and special circumstances
Colorado does not grant exceptions to the front plate requirement based on vehicle type, age, or owner preference. Motorcycles, however, are exempt — they are only required to display a rear plate. Trailers, RVs, and commercial vehicles have their own registration categories with specific plate requirements, but standard passenger vehicles have no exemptions.
If you own a classic or antique vehicle registered under Colorado's Historic Vehicle plate program, you still must display both front and rear plates. The Historic Vehicle designation does not waive the two-plate rule; it only affects registration fees and driving restrictions.
Some drivers remove their front plates to improve vehicle appearance or reduce wind resistance. This is not legal in Colorado, regardless of the reason. The only way to avoid the requirement is to not register the vehicle for road use in the state.
What to do if you receive a citation for a missing front plate
If you are cited for not displaying a front plate, you have several options. You can pay the fine, which varies by county but typically ranges from $50 to $150. You can also contest the citation in traffic court by arguing that the plate was damaged or fell off when ready before the stop, though this requires evidence.
The most straightforward response is to install the front plate if you have not already done so, then request that the citation be dismissed or reduced. Some courts will reduce or waive fines if you can show proof of compliance — a photo of the installed plate or a receipt from a mechanic who installed it. Contact the court listed on your citation to ask about this option.
If you receive multiple citations for the same violation, the penalties increase and the record becomes more serious. It is far simpler and cheaper to mount the plate than to accumulate traffic citations.
How Colorado plates differ from other states
Colorado's two-plate requirement is standard across most U.S. states. However, some states — including New Hampshire, South Carolina, and a few others — allow vehicles to display only a rear plate. If you are moving to Colorado from one of those states, you will need to obtain new Colorado plates and install a front plate before driving legally.
Colorado plates are issued by the county where you register your vehicle, and the county name appears on the plate. This is different from some states where plates are issued centrally. The front and rear plates are identical in design and number.
If you travel frequently between Colorado and other states, remember that each state has its own plate requirements. A vehicle registered in Colorado must display both plates while in Colorado, even if you are only passing through. Once you register in another state, you must comply with that state's rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a temporary plate instead of a permanent front plate while my vehicle is new?
No. Colorado does not issue temporary permits that waive the front plate requirement. Once your vehicle is registered, you must display both the front and rear plates when ready. If your plates have not arrived yet, contact your county clerk's office to request expedited delivery or a temporary solution.
What if my vehicle does not have a front bumper or mounting location?
You must install a mounting bracket or frame to display the plate. Aftermarket brackets are inexpensive and widely available at auto parts stores. If your vehicle's design makes mounting impossible, you may need to consult a mechanic about custom mounting solutions, but the plate must be displayed.
Do I need a front plate if I only drive my vehicle off-road or on private property?
If the vehicle is registered for road use in Colorado, you must display both plates whenever it is on public roads. Off-road-only vehicles or those used exclusively on private property do not need to be registered for road use and therefore do not need plates. However, once a vehicle is registered, the plate requirement applies to all public road use.
Can I cover my front plate with a protective cover to reduce glare or weather damage?
No. Any cover that obscures, tints, or distorts the plate number is illegal in Colorado, even if it is transparent or designed to protect the plate. The plate must remain fully legible at all times. If weather or glare is damaging your plate, request a replacement from your county clerk instead.
What happens if my front plate falls off while I am driving?
If you discover the plate is missing, stop driving and retrieve it if possible, or contact your county clerk to report it lost and request a replacement. If you are cited before you can replace it, explain the situation to the court — a citation for a plate that fell off accidentally may be reduced or dismissed if you can show you have since replaced it.